2024 Film Competition

Entries are now open for 2024! The Nashville Film Festival (NashFilm) celebrates innovation, music and the many voices of the human spirit through the art of film. Originally founded in 1969, the Nashville Film Festival is one of the longest-running film festivals in the United States and the first in the South. NashFilm discovers, elevates, and honors filmmakers, screenwriters and musicians from around the world while engaging, connecting and strengthening the community.

The 55th Nashville Film Festival taking place September 19 – September 25, 2024 features seven days of in-person screenings, panels and music showcases, parties and more at a variety of venues throughout Nashville. Stay connected via our website and social media for more information and join the celebration of film, music and culture!

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Submit via Filmfreeway:

Entry Guidelines

  • Entries must not have premiered to the public in-person or virtually before January 1, 2023.
  • Films that have screened virtually at a Festival prior to the Nashville Film Festival are eligible for submission and competition.
  • Competition is open to U.S. and International entries. Please check individual categories for additional requirements.
  • Films submitted in previous years are not eligible for resubmission to the current and open season. 
  • NashFilm will program 1-2 Spotlight sections this year. The films will be out of competition, but contain a highly curated selection of films that share a common theme.
  • Feature films are 40 minutes in length or longer. Short films are under 40 minutes in length.
  • Films not in the English language must be subtitled in English.
  • Entries must be submitted for pre-screening via filmfreeway. If you use a secured link, you are REQUIRED to keep us updated with passwords or your film may be rejected. NO HARD COPIES WILL BE ACCEPTED FOR ENTRIES.
  • Works-in-progress are accepted but are not encouraged. We can’t promise that we will be able to watch re-edited submissions. Please only submit work-in-progress if you are submitting close to the final deadline.
  • You may submit multiple entries but must fill out a separate entry form and pay an entry fee for each.
  • NashFilm employees, including seasonal staff, board members, sponsors, and their immediate families, are not eligible to submit in any category to this competition.
  • By submitting your work you are giving permission for the Nashville Film Festival to showcase your work at the festival and for promotional purposes.
  • Any potential prize awards are subject to all relevant federal and/or state laws and are therefore not guaranteed. Prize winners are responsible for providing required documentation in a timely manner and are responsible for any tax liabilities they may incur. Nashville Film Festival is not responsible for providing tax advice.

FESTIVAL SCREENING

The individual or corporation submitting the film warrants that he/she/they is authorized to commit the film to at least two screenings at any time during the 2024 Nashville Film Festival (NashFilm) taking place September 19 – September 25, 2024 and limited, ticketed, secure online presentations during that same period. Selected entries will be given more detail on what film file formats to deliver (file type based on venue capabilities) .

LIABILITY

Every possible care will be taken with DCPs while in our possession, however, we cannot accept responsibility for loss, damage or additional charges incurred en route, or due to normal wear and tear, or due to equipment failure. Do NOT send original prints or master copies.

Additionally, NashFilm is held harmless from any and all claims, liabilities, losses, damages, and expenses which may be incurred by reason of any claim involving copyright, trademark, credits, publicity or screening of any film.

SHIPPING

The cost of shipping an entry to the Festival must be paid by the entrant or preceding festival. All international entries must be sent with all transportation charges, duties, and taxes prepaid by the shipper. For films accepted into the Festival, the entrant is responsible for inbound shipping. In most cases, NashFilm will pay the cost of outbound shipping of the print to its next destination. However, the Festival will not be responsible for unnecessary expedited or overnight shipping charges to other destinations.

AWARDS PAYMENT INFORMATION

Each winning film and screenplay in the competition categories will receive a cash prize. Filmmakers and Screenwriters must submit all required information including W9s or W8-BENs and for international winners, payment/banking information by October 30, 2024 in order to receive payment. If information is not received by the deadline, NashFilm will no longer be able to issue payment. Filmmakers are responsible for updating the Festival on mailing addresses where checks and awards plaques should be sent to. If you anticipate issues with receiving your mail, please communicate with the Festival to make alternate arrangements as the Festival is not responsible for re-issuing checks.